February 2005 Archives

ITsafe is a government service, launched this week by the Home Office.

ITsafe is designed to provide both home users and small businesses with proven, plain English advice to help protect computers, mobile phones and other devices from malicious attack.

It consists of both the advice on its website, and a low-volume Alerting Service.

A good way to start protecting yourself is to follow the ITsafe Four Point Guide to better information security.

You can sign up to a free e-mail and mobile phone texting services:

* Bulletins - e-mails that describe current IT security issues
* Alerts - e-mail bulletins about only the most urgent dangers
* ITsafe News - a quarterly in-depth publication sent by e-mail
* Text Messaging - alerts sent to your mobile phone number.

Log on here for more information.

Citizen engagement - now there's a phrase to make your heart sink. On the other hand, it is all part of a very noticeable government trend in what is being called civil renewal...

"by enabling communities to help shape decisions on policies and services, we will support civil renewal and strengthen the legitimacy of the institutions of government."

A government review in 2003 concluded that its

"report recognised that key objectives can only be achieved if we fully involve citizens and communities, and build up their skills, abilities, and confidence to take effective action and leading roles in their communities. Development and training within the public services will also be needed so that they are better equipped to engage with their communities."